Building Diving Judges expertise with world-class event in Edinburgh (GBR)

A FINA Diving Judges Certification course was organised in conjunction with the FINA/Midea Diving World Series, taking place in Edinburgh (GBR) from April 19-21, 2013 with FINA TDC member Michael Geissbuehler (SUI) and sub-committtee member Frans van de Konijnenburg (NED) training 10 participants. The course is divided in two parts, theory and practical sessions, with a written examination and practical evaluations in the end.

Hayley Sage from England, whose father is officiating at the World Series in Edinburgh, is taking part in her first FINA certification course: "I used to be an athlete so it really helps to having this school to go in-depth with the rules because it's quite different when you see it as an athlete, feeling and doing the dives, and when you're a judge watching the dives; there's lots of elements to the dive that you won't necessarily know how it is judged as a diver."

Great job at Swimming Officials school in Port Moresby (PNG)

The 2013 edition of the FINA Swimming Officials schools in Oceania was successfully hosted by PNG Swimming Inc. at the Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby from April 6-7. The school had a total of 36 participants made up of past swimmers, school teachers, coaches and parents.

The school was opened by PNG Swimming Inc. patron Bart Philemon, who welcomed the participants and course experts Don Blew, FINA TSC Vice Chairman and Soren Korbo, FINA TSC Honorary Secretary and then introduced the PNG Government Minister for Sports and Pacific Games, Justin Tkatchenko to open the FINA Officials school and speak on the preparations of the XV Pacific Games 2015.

Water polo clinic for Referees is a hit in Valparaiso (CHI)

22 participants took part in a FINA clinic for water polo referees and officials (beginner to intermediate level), organised in Valparaiso, Chile, from March 19-24, 2013. American water polo referee Humberto Navarro, who has officiated for almost 20 years at national and international levels, was the expert on hand for the course.

The clinic was held in conjunction with the South American Youth Championships, which provided an opportunity to test the participants' newly acquired skills. Navarro talked about the referee's responsibilities, code of ethics, position and function, among other topics.

Diving Officials get started in Dubai (UAE)

A FINA clinic for diving officials (beginner level) was organised in Dubai (UAE) from March 16-20, 2013. FINA TDC member Bashar Al-Saffar from Kuwait was the lecturer for the course, which was attended by 23 participants. The course focused on

Several topics were discussed: dive elements, age groups, synchronised diving, scoring, referee and judge's duties, penalties and deductions, video analysis, etc. 17 participants took an examination at the end of the course.

International Water Safety Day celebrated in Suva (FIJ)

‘Never Swim Alone’ is the key message given to primary schools from around the Suva City area that were part of the International Water Safety Day at the Suva City Olympic Pool on March 15, 2013. The programme was organised by the newly formed Water Safety Council of Fiji which comprises many different stakeholders in sporting, government and non- government sections.

The objectives of this International Water Safety Day for Fiji is to introduce and promote safe water practices to Class 3 and 4 students, install water safe fun and ideals, teach rescues in safe controlled manner and create interest in learning lifesaving techniques.

FINA school for Diving Officials held in Riga (LAT)

A FINA development school for diving judges and officials was organised in Riga, Latvia, from March 1-2, 2013. FINA TDC member Michael Geissbuehler (SUI) trained 10 participants during the two-day course.

"Latvia was not very active in diving in the past. Hosting a FINA development school shows their interest in developing diving within the country," noted Geissbuehler.

Swimming Coaches upgrade skills in Saint Lucia

An advanced clinic for swimming coaches took place in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, from February 23 to March 3, 2013. USA Swimming coach Bob Steele trained 15 participants during the eight-day course at the Rodney Heights Aquatic Center.

"The participants were very knowledgeable about high level swimming with keen interest in learning and using more information", said Steele.

FINA Development programme 2013 launched in Bermuda

The first clinic of 2013 was organised by the Bermuda Amateur Swimming Association in Hamilton from February 19-23, 2013. Swimming expert Mancer Roberts from the Bahamas led the intermediate-level course, which was attended by 17 officials.

The five-day course addressed a number of topics, such as duties of officials and various poolside positions (timekeeper, clerk of course, referee, starter, inspector of turns, stroke judge, finish judge, etc.). Both theory and practice sessions were held.

Swimming Officials school is a hit in Santo Domingo (DOM)

A FINA school for swimming officials, the first of the year in the Americas region, was organised in Santo Domingo (DOM) with 42 participants from February 16-17, 2013. 32 were locals, two came from the Bahamas, two from the Bermudas, four from Colombia and one from St. Lucia.

FINA TSC Honorary Secretary Soren Korbo (DEN) and FINA TSC Member Errol Clarke (BAR) conducted the two-day course at the National Olympic Committee House and pool sessions at the outdoor National Swimming Complex, build in 2003 for the Pan American Games.